Some people say fine means, well, “fine” (OK, good, grand, dandy) and others detest the term. Fine, they say, borders on bad. All is not well when all is fine. Confusing, I know.

What do you think of “fine”? Does it really mean all is A-OK. Or, when you label something “fine” do you really mean all is not well in your world and you want the asker to dig deeper, to figure out why you’re really not “fine”?

13 Responses

I use this word way too much…and usually when things are anything BUT “fine”. However, even though it tends to seem like it begs the asker to dig deeper, that is usually the last thing I want. I use “fine” more in the sense that things suck right now, but I really do not care to explain further.

How many of us have gotten “Fine” as a response from the S/O? More times then I can count. It borders as you said on bad but it also borders on good. Meaning you are passing but you have opportunity. But then when talking about Kristen Bell, it’s F-I-N-E FINE and that’s better then good, far better then great.

I actually used this term yesterday when I was having a bad day. Usually if I am really ok, I will say I am good. When I say I’m fine it usually means I’m just having a bad day and I don;t want to discuss things further. Fine can be used for good. When a guy says you are “fine” usually means they find you sexy.

I agree with what people have said so far. To expand on it a bit more, “Fine” in response to a S/O is never a good sign. Even if it doesn’t have anything to do with the S/O, it means your lady or man isn’t in the best of moods. It’s also how you say it, it might be able to be perceived as a positive answer, if it is accompanied with a smile. Also, when the word is dragged out, Fiiiiiiiiiiine.. usually means a woman or man is looking hot. But all in all, a MUCH overused term, in my unprofessional opinion.

Isn’t there an old saying that fine is actually an acronym? If I’m not mistaken, it was used in the movie The Italian Job, as well.
“Fine is just another way of saying you’re f-ed up, insecure, neurotic and emotional.”
Personally, my “fine” is never “fine,” which probably means the acronym concept works for me! =)